Enzyme catalyzed organosilicon esters and amides

ABSTRACT

Methods for forming organosilicon esters and amides are provided. Additionally, organosilicon esters and amides are provided. The organosilicon esters and amides may be formed by contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant. The enzyme may catalyze the formation of an ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of the organosilicon or organic reactant and alcohol functional groups of the organic or organosilicon reactant. The enzyme may catalyze the formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of the organosilicon or organic reactant and amine functional groups of the organic or organosilicon reactant.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/642,098 filed Aug. 15, 2003, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/403,960 and 60/403,962, filed Aug. 16, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the formation of organosilicon esters and amides and more specifically, to the formation of organosilicon esters and amides using an enzymatic route and to the organosilicon esters and amides formed thereby.

Ester and polyester compounds may be synthesized with an acid or base catalyst at high temperatures for long periods. Although these reaction conditions favor the equilibrium of polycondensation, they also promote uncontrolled side reactions, redistribution of monomers sequences, cross linking, and broad molecular weight distributions. Additionally, the typical acid and base catalysts are not regioselective and may catalyze esterification at all reactive groups on a polyfunctional monomer. The acid and base catalysts may cause the decomposition of potentially useful functional groups, such as epoxy groups, and bonds, such as siloxane bonds. Thus, the ability to control the material structure is essentially lost.

Traditional methods of synthesizing amide compounds may not be selective. For example, the methods may not be regioselective and/or enantioselective. Therefore, methods of synthesizing amides may not provide the ability to control the material structure.

Thus, the need remains in the relevant art for improved methods of forming structurally defined organosilicon esters and amides, and the need remains in the relevant art for more structurally defined organosilicon esters and amides.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an organosilicon ester is provided. The method comprises contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant. The organosilicon reactant comprises an organosilicon having the formula

wherein:

each R is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃, or R′;

at least one of R═R′;

x is 0 or greater than 0;

y is equal to or greater than 3; and

R′ is:

-   -   wherein:         -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent,             wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said             hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-,             or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations             thereof;         -   R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or             alcohol; and m is 0 or greater than 0.             The organic reactant comprises an organic molecule having at             least one carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional             group, amide functional group, or alcohol functional group,             and combinations thereof. The at least one functional group             of the organic reactant comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or             amide when R″ is alcohol, and the at least one functional             group of the organic reactant comprises alcohol when R″ is             carboxylic acid, ester, or amide. The enzyme catalyzes the             formation of an ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester,             or amide functional groups of the organosilicon reactant or             the organic reactant and alcohol functional groups of the             organosilicon reactant or the organic reactant to form the             organosilicon ester.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an organosilicon ester is provided. The method comprises contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant. The organosilicon reactant comprises an organosilicon having the formula

wherein:

each R is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃; or R′;

at least one of R═R′;

y is equal to or greater than 3; and

R′ is:

-   -   wherein:         -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent,             wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said             hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-,             or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations             thereof;         -   R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or             alcohol; and         -   m is 0 or greater than 0.             The organic reactant comprises an organic molecule having at             least one carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional             group, amide functional group, or alcohol functional group,             and combinations thereof. The at least one functional group             of the organic reactant comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or             amide when R″ is alcohol, and the at least one functional             group of the organic reactant comprises alcohol when R″ is             carboxylic acid, ester, or amide. The enzyme catalyzes the             formation of an ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester,             or amide functional groups of the organosilicon reactant or             the organic reactant and alcohol functional groups of the             organosilicon reactant or the organic reactant to form the             organosilicon ester.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an organosilicon amide is provided. The method comprises contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant. The organosilicon reactant comprises an organosilicon having the formula

wherein:

each R is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃, or R′;

at least one of R═R′;

x is 0 or greater than 0;

y is equal to or greater than 3; and

R′ is:

-   -   wherein:         -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent,             wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said             hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyi-,             or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations             thereof;         -   R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amine, or amide;             and         -   m is 0 or greater than 0.             The organic reactant comprises an organic molecule having at             least one carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional             group, amine functional group, or amide functional group,             and combinations thereof. The at least one functional group             of the organic reactant comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or             amide when R″ is amine, and the at least one functional             group of the organic reactant comprises amine when R″ is             carboxylic acid, ester, or amide. The enzyme catalyzes the             formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid, ester,             or amide functional groups of the organosilicon reactant or             the organic reactant and amine functional groups of the             organosilicon reactant or the organic reactant to form the             organosilicon amide.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an organosilicon amide is provided. The method comprises contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant. The organosilicon reactant comprises an organosilicon having the formula

wherein:

each R is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃, or R′;

at least one of R═R′;

x is 0 or greater than 0;

y is equal to or greater than 3; and

R′ is:

-   -   wherein:         -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent,             wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said             hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-,             or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations             thereof;         -   R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amine, or amide;             and         -   m is 0 or greater than 0.             The organic reactant comprises an organic molecule having at             least one carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional             group, amine functional group, or amide functional group,             and combinations thereof. The at least one functional group             of the organic reactant comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or             amide when R″ is amine, and the at least one functional             group of the organic reactant comprises amine when R″ is             carboxylic acid, ester, or amide. The enzyme catalyzes the             formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid, ester,             or amide functional groups of the organosilicon reactant or             the organic reactant and amine functional groups of the             organosilicon reactant or the organic reactant to form the             organosilicon amide.

In accordance with another embodiment of present invention, an organosilicon ester is provided. The organosilicon ester comprises a structurally defined compound having the formula:

wherein:

each R¹ is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR¹ ₂)_(x)—OSiR¹ ₃, or R′″;

at least one of R¹═R′″;

y is equal to or greater than 3; and

R′″ is:

-   -   wherein:         -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent,             wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said             hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-,             or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations             thereof;         -   R² is an organic compound; and         -   m is 0 or greater than 0.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an organosilicon amide is provided. The organosilicon amide comprises a structurally defined compound having the formula:

wherein:

each R¹ is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR¹ ₂)_(x)—OSiR¹ ₃, or R′″;

at least one of R¹═R′″;

x is 0 or greater than 0;

y is equal to or greater than 3; and

R′″ is:

-   -   wherein:         -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent,             wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said             hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-,             or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations             thereof;         -   R² is an organic compound; and         -   m is 0 or greater than 0.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a ¹³C DEPT NMR spectrum of the esterification of Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a GC MS of the esterification of Example 1.

FIG. 3 is a ¹H NMR spectrum of the esterification of Example 2.

FIG. 4 is an ESI MS of the esterification of Example 2.

FIG. 5 is a ¹H NMR spectrum of the esterification of Example 3.

FIG. 6 is an ESI MS of the esterification of Example 3.

FIG. 7 is a ¹H NMR spectrum of the esterification of Example 4.

FIG. 8 is ¹H NMR spectrum of the esterification of Example 6.

FIGS. 9-10 are ¹³C DEPT NMR spectrum of the esterification of Example 8.

FIG. 11 is a ¹H NMR spectrum of the amidation of Example 11.

FIG. 12 is a ¹H NMR spectrum of the amidation of Example 12.

FIG. 13 is a ¹H NMR spectrum of the amidation of Example 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention utilizes hydrolase enzymes to form novel organosilicon esters and amides under mild reaction conditions.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

The present invention relates to the reaction of an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant in the presence of a hydrolase enzyme to form organosilicon esters and amides. The reaction involves the formation of an ester bond between at least one carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional group and at least one alcohol functional group. Alternatively, the reaction involves the formation of an amide bond between at least one carboxylic acid or ester functional group and at least one amine functional group or between an amide functional group and an amine functional group as shown in the reaction sequences below:

In the above reactions, X and Y represent a portion of an organosilicon or an organic compound other than the carboxylic acid, ester, alcohol, amine, or amide functional groups. It will be understood that the ester or amide functional groups are not limited to the methylated ester or amide as shown in the above reactions. Rather, the ester or amide functional group may have any desired group substituted for the methyl group shown.

The organosilicon reactant is an organosilicon species. The organosilicon reactant may be a silane or may have at least one siloxane bond. The organosilicon reactant has at least one carboxylic acid, ester, alcohol, amine, or amide functional group, and the organosilicon reactant may be monofunctional or polyfunctional. The carboxylic acid, ester, alcohol, amine, or amide functional groups may be pendant, terminal, or be in any other suitable location. However, the carboxylic acid, ester, alcohol, amine, or amide functional groups may not be directly bonded to the silicon. The organosilicon reactant may be linear, branched, resinous, or cyclic. Suitable linear, branched, or resinous organosilicon reactants having at least one siloxane bond generally correspond to Formula (I), suitable cyclic organosilicon reactants having at least three siloxane bonds generally correspond to Formula (II), and suitable silane reactants generally correspond to Formula (III), as shown below:

-   -   wherein:         -   each R is independently selected from alkyl haloalkyl,             unsaturated alkyl aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen,             —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃, or R′;         -   at least one R═R′;         -   x is 0 or greater than 0;         -   y is equal to or greater than 3; and         -   R′ is:         -   wherein:             -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon                 substituent, wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted                 such that said hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-,                 alkoxy-, phenyl-, or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon                 and combinations thereof;             -   R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amide,                 amine, or alcohol; and             -   m is 0 or greater than 0.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, x may be between 0 to about 250. The organosilicon reactant may be selected such that y is between about 3 to about 6. The organosilicon reactant may be selected such that A is a C₃ to C₂₀ hydrocarbon, and m may be between 0 and about 250.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the portion of the organosilicon structure shown within the brackets of Formulas (I) and (II) do not have to be identical repeating units. Rather, the R groups may be independently chosen for each of the repeating units. It will be understood that alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, alkoxy, and hydrocarbon may be substituents having one carbon or more than one carbon. It will be further understood that when A is a substituted hydrocatbon the substitutions may be in the middle of the carbon chain or pendant on the carbon chain. However, the substitution will not generally be terminal on the end of the carbon chain next to R″. The organosilicon reactants of Formulas (I), (II), and (III) are acceptable substrates that allow the hydrolase enzyme to selectively catalyze the esterification or amidation reaction at the reactive sites of the organosilicon reactant. The reactive sites of the organosilicon reactant comprise the carboxylic acid, ester, amide, alcohol, or amine functional groups.

Organic reactants useful in the present invention generally have a carboxylic acid, ester, alcohol, amine, or amide functional group, or a combination thereof. The organic reactants may be linear, branched, or cyclic organic molecules, and they may be monofunctional or polyfunctional and saturated or unsaturated. The carboxylic acid, ester, alcohol, amine, or amide functional groups may be pendant, terminal, or be in any other suitable location. Additionally, the organic reactant may be an organosilicon. Examples of suitable organic reactants include, but are not limited to, hexanol, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, hexanediol, polyethylene glycol, adipic acid, hexyl amine, octanoic acid, phenyl acetic acid methyl ester, dimethyl adipate, and tetramine.

Generally, the at least one functional group of the organic reactant comprises an alcohol functional group or amine functional group when at least one of R″ of Formulas (I-III) comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or amide. The at least one functional group of the organic reactant comprises a carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional group, or amide functional group when at least one of R″ of Formulas (I-III) comprise alcohol or amine. It will be understood that the organic reactant may have more than one functional group, and it will be further understood that the functional groups may be the same functional group or different functional groups.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the organic reactant may be in a liquid form, and a liquid-to-liquid reaction may occur between the organic reactant and the organosilicon reactant. Thus, the reaction may occur in bulk. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the organic reactant or organosilicon reactant may be a solid and the reaction may be between a liquid and a solid. When the organic reactant or organosilicon reactant is in the form of a solid, the reactions of the present invention may occur on the surface of the solid. Thus, the surface of the solids may be modified.

The organosilicon reactant and the organic reactant are contacted with a hydrolase enzyme in order to catalyze the formation of the amide or ester bond. It will be understood that the organosilicon and organic reactant may be contacted with the hydrolase enzyme sequentially. The hydrolase enzyme is generally an esterase, lipase, or protease and combinations thereof, and the hydrolase enzyme is more generally lipase or protease. The hydrolase enzyme may be derived from a bacterial, fungal, or mammalian source, or the hydrolase enzyme may be derived from any other suitable source. For example, the hydrolase enzyme may be Novozyme 435® (N435) lipase available from Novozyme (Bagsvaerd, Denmark), Candida cylindricia lipase type VII (CCL) available from Sigma (St. Louis, Mo.), porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) available from Sigma (St. Louis, Mo.), and protease enzymes such as subtilisin and papain available from Sigma (St. Louis, Mo.). The enzyme is generally present as a heterogeneous suspension, and the enzyme may be lyophilized or immobilized.

The hydrolase enzyme catalyzes the formation of an ester bond between a carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional group and an alcohol functional group in a one-step reaction. Alternatively, the hydrolase enzyme catalyzes the formation of an amide bond between a carboxylic acid or an ester functional group and an amine functional group in a one-step reaction. Additionally, the hydrolase enzyme catalyzes the formation of an amide bond between an amine functional group and an amide functional group. Thus, the enzyme catalyzes the formation of an ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of the organosilicon reactant or the organic reactant and alcohol functional groups of the organic reactant or the organosilicon reactant to form the organosilicon ester. Alternatively, the enzyme catalyzes the formation of an amide bond between the carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of the organosilicon reactant or the organic reactant and amine functional groups of the organic reactant or the organosilicon reactant to form the organosilicon amide.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the organosilicon ester may be a structurally defined compound of the formula:

wherein:

each R¹ is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR¹ ₂)_(x)—OSiR¹ ₃, or R′″;

at least one of R¹═R′″;

y is equal to or greater than 3; and

R′″ is:

-   -   wherein:         -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent,             wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said             hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-,             or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations             thereof;         -   R² is an organic compound; and         -   m is 0 or greater than 0.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the organosilicon amide may be a structurally defined compound of the formula:

wherein:

each R¹ is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR¹ ₂)_(x)—OSiR¹ ₃, or R′″;

at least one of R¹═R′″;

y is equal to or greater than 3; and

R′″ is:

-   -   wherein:         -   A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent,             wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said             hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-,             or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations             thereof;         -   R² is an organic compound; and         -   m is 0 or greater than 0.

It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that more than one functional group may be present on an organosilicon reactant and/or on an organic reactant. Therefore, organosilicon ester or amide monomers, macromers, and polymers may be formed using the enzymatic method of the present invention. For example, the polymers may be of the -AABB— variety wherein AA represents an organosilicon reactant having two functional groups (AA) and BB represents an organic reactant having two functional groups (BB) that react to form ester or amide bonds. Alternatively, the polymers may be of the terpolymer type or any other suitable type of polymer. Additionally, the polymers may be crosslinked in any suitable manner.

The hydrolase enzyme selectively catalyzes the formation of the amide or ester bonds. For example, the hydrolase enzyme may be regioselective or enantioselective, or combinations of both. Thus, structurally defined organosilicon amides and esters may be formed in accordance with the present invention.

When an interfacial enzyme is used, the organosilicon reactants appear to enhance the rate of esterification or amidation catalyzed by the enzyme in comparison to the rate of esterification or amidation catalyzed by the enzyme when organic materials are used in place of organosilicon materials. Lipase is an example of an interfacial enzyme. Thus, the use of organosilicon reactants may be advantageous in forming organic materials containing ester or amide bonds.

The reactions are generally carried out under mild reaction conditions. The temperature of the reactions is generally between about 20° C. and 100° C., and the reaction is more generally carried out at a temperature of between about 40° C. to about 70° C. No acid or base catalysts are required. The reactions may be performed under solventless (neat) conditions, or the reactions may be performed utilizing a solvent. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, hexane, toluene, xylene, and other hydrophobic alkyl or aromatic organic solvents.

The ability to synthesize organosilicon esters and amides under mild reaction conditions is advantageous because the mild reaction conditions do not cleave the siloxane bonds of the siloxane reactants. Therefore, novel organosilicon esters and amides may be synthesized. Additionally, the various functional groups of the organosilicon and organic reactants may be chosen to introduce a desired functionality into the resulting organosilicon ester or amide. For example, a hydrophobic organosilicon and a hydrophilic organic may be chosen such that the resulting organosilicon ester or amide is an amphiphilic molecule having desired surfactant properties. Alternatively, phenol functional groups may be chosen and then selectively coupled after the formation of the organosilicon ester or amide to synthesize an electrically conductive organosilicon ester or amide. Fibers, films, coatings, gels and other materials may be synthesized using this enzymatic route having desired properties such as, for example, adhesiveness and the ability to self assemble.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference is made to the following examples, which are intended to be illustrative of the invention, but are not intended to be limiting in scope.

EXAMPLE 1

Novozyme 435 (N435), Candida cylindricia (CCL), and porcine pancreatic (PPL) lipase were used to catalyze the esterification of trimethylsilylpropionic acid with hexanol as shown in the following diagram:

The reactions were conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reactions were performed in refluxing hexane (i.e. 70° C. pot, 90° C. bath temperature). The organic reactant was added to the organosilicon-solvent solution at 70° C. After homogenization, the dried enzyme was added to the reaction mixture and the reactions were conducted for 24 hours. The reactions were formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The lipases formed heterogeneous suspensions in the stirred organic mixtures. In the presence of the Dean-Stark trap, the formation of a hexane-water azeotrope further promoted the esterification reactions.

After the reaction, chloroform (∞10 mL) was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product. The reactions were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography—flame ionization detection (GC-FID), and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI MS). FIG. 1 illustrates the ¹³C NMR of the esterification. FIG. 2 illustrates the GC-MS of the esterification. Based on the analyses, lipase was observed to catalyze the esterification reaction. Comparatively, N435 was determined to be more active than CCL or PPL. The materials were observed to contain a mixture of products and reactants.

EXAMPLE 2

N435, CCL, and PPL were used to catalyze the esterification of 1,3-bis(3-carboxypropyl)tetramethyidisiloxane (i.e., diacid disiloxane) with hexanol as shown in the following diagram:

The reactions were conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reactions were performed in refluxing hexane. The organic reactant was added to the organosilicon-solvent solution at 70° C. After homogenization, dried lipase enzyme was added to the reaction mixture and the reactions were conducted for 24 hours. The reactions were formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. In the presence of the Dean-Stark trap, the formation of a hexane-water azeotrope further promoted the esterification reactions.

After the reaction, chloroform (˜10 mL) was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product. The reactions were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, GC-MS, GC-FID, and ESI MS. FIG. 3 illustrates the ¹H NMR of the esterification. FIG. 4 illustrates the ESI MS of the esterification. Based on the analyses, lipase was observed to catalyze the esterification reaction. Comparatively, N435 was determined to be more active than CCL or PPL. The materials were observed to contain a mixture of products and reactants.

EXAMPLE 3

N435 was used to react the diacid disiloxane of Example 2 with 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) in refluxing hexane or neat at 70° C. for 1 hour as shown in the following diagram:

The reactions were conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reactions were formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:2 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. In addition to the Dean-Stark trap, molecular sieves (i.e. sieve:enzyme weight ratio=2:1) were used to adsorb water in order to further promote the esterification reaction.

After the reaction, chloroform (˜10 mL) was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product.

In hexane and neat media, 82% and 91% of the HEMA was consumed within 1 hour, respectively. In the presence of molecular sieves, aliquots of the reaction were analyzed by ¹H NMR every 5 minutes. Based on the spectral data, HEMA was nearly consumed within the first 5 minutes. After 1 hour, the neat reaction was filtered and dried to isolate a crude oily product. The product was characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ESI MS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography-refractive index detection (GPC-RI). FIG. 5 illustrates the ¹H NMR of the esterification. FIG. 6 illustrates the ESI MS of the esterification. Based on the molecular characterization, the material was observed to contain a mixture of mono-and di-ester products and reactants.

EXAMPLE 4

An organosilicon polyester was synthesized by reacting a diacid disiloxane (AA) and hexanediol (BB) with N435 in refluxing hexane at 70° C. for 6 days as shown in the diagram below:

The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reaction was formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The use of the Dean-Stark trap further promoted the esterification reaction.

The progress of the reaction was monitored by ¹H NMR. After 6 days, the mixture was filtered, evaporated, and dried to isolate an oily product. The material was characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), FTIR, GPC-RI, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). FIG. 7 illustrates the ¹H NMR of the esterification.

The material was observed to contain, primarily, linear as well as cyclic -[AABB]_(x)— organosilicon polyesters. No residual diacid disiloxane was observed. Based on the GPC-RI results, the Mn and Mw values were 5140 and 15710, respectively, with a 3.1 polydisperity. Based on the thermal analysis, the material experienced a critical mass loss at 381° C. vs. 164° C. (i.e. diacid disiloxane reactant). The Tg was measured to be −80° C. In comparison to the diacid disiloxane (Tg=−76° C.), similar amounts of energy were required to achieve molecular motion. During the DSC heating cycles, crystalline phases (Tm) were observed at −47° C. & −38° C. (0.7 J/g), and 92° C. (0.9 J/g). A cold crystallization (Tcc=−15° C., 50.4 J/g) and two crystalline phases (Tm=30° C., 45 J/g; 46° C., 8.6 J/g) were detected in the diacid disiloxane.

EXAMPLE 5

An organosilicon polyester was synthesized by reacting a diacid-endblocked polydimethylsiloxane (diacid PDMS, AA) and polyethylene glycol (BB) with N435 in refluxing hexane at 70° C. for 6 days as shown in the following diagram:

The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reaction was formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The use of the Dean-Stark trap further promoted the esterification reaction.

The progress of the diacid PDMS esterification was monitored by ¹H NMR. Based on the spectral data, N435 was observed to catalyze the formation of ester bonds (i.e., -[AABB]_(x)—) with large polymeric substrates over 4 days.

EXAMPLE 6

N435 was used to catalyze the polyesterification of a carbinol-endblocked polydimethylsiloxane (diol PDMS, BB) and adipic acid (AA) in refluxing hexane at 70° C. for 6 days as shown in the following diagram:

The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reaction was formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The use of a Dean-Stark trap further promoted the esterification reaction.

The progress of the diol PDMS esterification was monitored by ¹H NMR. After 4 days of reaction, chloroform (˜10 mL) was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product. The material was characterized by ¹H NMR and FTIR. FIG. 8 illustrates the ¹H NMR of the esterification. Based on the spectral data, N435 was observed to catalyze the formation of ester bonds (i.e., —[BBAA]_(x)-) with a carbinol-functional PDMS substrate.

EXAMPLE 7

N435 was used to catalyze the polyesterification of the diol PDMS (BB) and an acid-endcapped polyethylene glycol (AA) in refluxing hexane at 70° C. for 6 days as shown below:

The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reaction was formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The use of the Dean-Stark trap further promoted the esterification reaction.

After 4 days of reaction, the mixture was filtered, evaporated, and dried to isolate the product. The material was characterized by ¹H NMR, ESI MS, MALDI-TOF MS, and GPC-RI. N435 was observed to catalyze the formation of ester bonds with large polymeric substrates. The organosilicon polyester material was also observed to contain residual reactants. Based on the GPC-RI results, the Mn and Mw values were 5500 and 19000, respectively, with a 5.4 polydisperity.

EXAMPLE 8

N435 lipase-catalyzed organosilicon polyester terpolymers were synthesized by reacting either the diacid disiloxane or diacid PDMS (x) with hexanediol (y) and adipic acid (z) in refluxing hexane or neat at 70° C. for 4 days. The diagram below shows lipase-catalyzed diacid disiloxane (A) and diacid PDMS (B) polyester terpolymers.

The reactions were conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The stoichiometry of the reactions were formulated with diacid:diol and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 (i.e. 1:2:1 and 0.5:2:1.5 x:y:z mole ratios) and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The use of a Dean-Stark trap further promoted the esterification reaction.

The progress of the reactions were monitored daily by ¹H NMR. After 4 days, the mixtures were filtered, evaporated, and dried to isolate crude oily products. The materials were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR, FTIR, GPC-RI, GPC-MALS, TGA, and DSC. FIGS. 9-10 illustrate the ¹³C NMR analyses of the esterification. Based on the material characterization, the diacid molecules were consumed during the lipase-catalyzed esterification reactions. The Mn, Mw, and polydispersity values of the disiloxane- and PDMS-functional terpolymers were calculated to be 3500-3700, 14000-15000, and 3.8-6.8 at x:y:z equal to 1:2:1, and 3200-4900, 20000-22000, and 4.0-6.8 at x:y:z equal to 0.5:2:1.5.

Based on the thermal analysis of the 0.5x:2y:1.5z terpolymers, the diacid disiloxane-(A) and diacid PDMS-(B) polyester terpolymers experienced critical mass losses at 353° C. vs. 226° C. (diacid disiloxane reactant) and 393° C. vs. 283° C. (diacid PDMS reactant), respectively. The temperature was observed to increase with the increase in organosilicon concentration. The Tg values were measured to be −76° C. (A) and −117° C. (B). In comparison to the diacid disiloxane (Tg=−76° C.) and diacid PDMS (Tg=−1 19° C.) reactants, similar amounts of energy were required to achieve molecular motion. During the DSC heating cycles, cold crystallization and crystalline phases were observed at −45° C. (Tcc, 2.7 J/g), −1° C. (Tm, 17.8 J/g), and 35° C. (Tm, 2.8 J/g) in terpolymer A. A cold crystallization (Tcc=−15° C., 50.4 J/g) and two crystalline phases (Tm=30° C., 45 J/g; 46° C., 8.6 J/g) were detected in the diacid disiloxane. Cold crystallization (Tcc=−101° C., 0.3 J/g) and multiple crystalline phases (Tm=−46° C. & −28° C., 14.6 J/g; 42° C. & 53° C., 0.7 J/g; 91° C., 0.9 J/g) were observed in rerpolymer B. A crystalline phase (Tm=−60° C., 16.8 J/g) was detected in the diacid PDMS. Given the range of energy values, the size of the regions of order or the degree of molecular interactions varied throughout the materials.

EXAMPLE 9

Subtilisin (i.e., a protease) was used to catalyze the formation of an amide bond between trimethylsilylpropionic acid and hexyl amine as shown in the following diagram:

The reaction was conducted using hexane as a solvent. The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath.

The hexane reaction was formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The protease formed a heterogeneous suspension in the stirred organic mixture.

The hexyl amine was added to the trimethylsilylpropionic acid at 70° C. After homogenization, dried subtilisin was added to the reaction mixture and heated for 12 hours. The refluxing reaction in hexane was conducted at 70° C. for 6 days. The completion of the reaction was monitored by ¹H NMR or thin layer chromatography (TLC).

After the reaction, chloroform was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product. The reaction was characterized by ¹³C NMR. Based on the spectral results, subtilisin was observed to catalyze the formation of an amide bond. The yield was estimated to be approximately 20%.

EXAMPLE 10

Subtilisin was used to catalyze the formation of amide bonds between 1,3-bis(3-aminopropyl)-tetramethyldisiloxane (i.e. diamine disiloxane) and octanoic acid as shown in the following diagram:

The reaction was conducted using hexane as a solvent. The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e., magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath.

The hexane reaction was formulated with organosilicon:organic and solvent:monomer mole ratios equal to 1:1 and 10:1, respectively. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10.

The octanoic acid was added to the 1,3-bis(3-aminopropyl)-tetramethyldisiloxane at 70° C. After homogenization, dried subtilisin was added to the reaction mixture and heated for 12 hours. The refluxing reaction in hexane was conducted at 70° C. for 6 days. The completion of the reaction was monitored by ¹H NMR or TLC.

After the reaction, chloroform was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product. The reaction was characterized by ¹³C NMR. Based on the spectral results, subtilisin was observed to catalyze the formation of an amide bond. The yield was estimated to be approximately 20%.

EXAMPLE 11

Lipase (N435) was used to catalyze the reaction of 3-aminopropyltris(trimethyl-siloxy)silane and phenyl acetic acid methyl ester as shown in the following diagram:

The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e., magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reaction was formulated with a organosilicon:organic mole ratio equal to 1:1. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The phenyl acetic acid methyl ester was added to 3-aminopropyltris(trimethyl-siloxy)silane at 70° C. After homogenization, dried lipase enzyme was added to the reaction mixture and heated for 12 hours.

The reaction was monitored by TLC. After 12 hours, chloroform was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product.

The material was characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR as well as FTIR. FIG. 11 illustrates the ¹H NMR of the amidation. Based on the spectral data, N435 was observed to catalyze the formation of the amide bond.

EXAMPLE 12

Analogous to Nylon, diamine disiloxane and dimethyl adipate were reacted with N435 as shown in the following diagram:

The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e., magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reaction was formulated with a organosilicon:organic mole ratio equal to 1:1. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The dimethyl adipate was added to diamine disiloxane at 70° C. After homogenization, dried lipase enzyme was added to the reaction mixture and heated for 12 hours.

The reaction was monitored by ¹H NMR. After 12 hours, chloroform was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product.

The material was characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, MALDI TOF MS, FTIR, GPC-RI, TGA, and DSC. FIG. 12 illustrates the ¹H NMR of the amidation. Based on the molecular characterization, lipase was observed to catalyze the formation of amide bonds during the synthesis of the organosilicon polyamide. The Mn and Mw values were calculated to be 2084 and 4566, respectively, with a 2.2 polydispersity. Based on the thermal analysis, the material experienced a critical mass loss at 394° C. vs. 107° C. of diamine disiloxane. The Tg was measured to be −21° C. In comparison to the diamine disiloxane, Tg=−110° C., more energy was required to achieve molecular motion. During the first heating cycle, a crystalline phase was observed at 54° C. (Tm) with an energy equal to 9.6 J/g. No crystalline phases were observed in the diamine disiloxane. The crystalline phase provides evidence of regions of order within the material.

EXAMPLE 13

A lipase-catalyzed (N435) multifunctional organosilicon polyamide, average structure shown below, was synthesized by reacting the diacid disiloxane methyl ester with tetramine (C₁₃H₃₂N₄).

The reaction was conducted with constant stirring (i.e. magnetic stir bar) in a two-neck round-bottom flask attached to a Dean-Stark trap and a water-cooled condenser in a heated oil bath. The reaction was formulated with a organosilicon:organic mole ratio equal to 1:1. The enzyme:monomer weight ratio was 1:10. The tetramine was added to diacid disiloxane at 70° C. After homogenization, dried lipase enzyme was added to the reaction mixture and heated for 24 hours.

The reaction was monitored by ¹H NMR. After 24 hours, chloroform was added to the mixture to remove the contents from the flask and filter out the enzyme. Subsequently, the filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator and dried in a vacuum oven overnight at ˜45° C. in order to isolate the product. FIG. 13 illustrates the ¹H NMR of the amidation. Based on the spectral data, lipase was observed to catalyze the formation of amide bonds during the synthesis of the multifunctional organosilicon polyamide.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is not to be considered limited to what is described in the specification. 

1. A method of forming an organosilicon ester, comprising contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant, wherein: said organosilicon reactant comprises a organosilicon having the formula

wherein: each R is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃, or R′; at least one of R═R′; x is 0 or greater than 0; y is equal to or greater than 3; and R′ is:

wherein: A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent, wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-, or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations thereof; R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or alcohol; and m is 0 or greater than 0; said organic reactant comprises an organic molecule having at least one carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional group, amide functional group, or alcohol functional group, and combinations thereof; said at least one functional group of said organic reactant comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or amide when R″ is alcohol; said at least one functional group of said organic reactant comprises alcohol when R″ is carboxylic acid, ester, or amide; and said enzyme catalyzes the formation of an ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of said organosilicon reactant or said organic reactant and alcohol functional groups of said organosilicon reactant or said organic reactant to form said organosilicon ester.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein x is between 0 and about
 250. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein A is a C₃to C₂₀ hydrocarbon.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein y is between about 3 to about
 6. 5. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein m is between 0 and about
 250. 6. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hydrolase enzyme comprises an esterase, lipase, protease and combinations thereof.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein said hydrolase enzyme comprises a lipase.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said lipase comprises Candida antarctica lipase B.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said organic reactant comprises a solid, and wherein said organosilicon reactant comprises a liquid.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said organosilicon reactant comprises a solid, and wherein said organic reactant comprises a liquid.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said organosilicon reactant comprises a liquid, and wherein said organic reactant comprises a liquid.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said organosilicon reactant is selected such that more than one R═R′.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said organic reactant is selected such that said reactant has a plurality of said functional groups.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said plurality of functional groups comprise the same functional group.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 13 herein said plurality of functional groups comprise different functional groups.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said organosilicon reactant is selected such that more than one R═R′, and wherein said organic reactant is selected such that said reactant has a plurality of said functional groups.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reaction is conducted at a temperature of between about 20° C. to about 100° C.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reaction is conducted at a temperature of between about 40° C. and about 70° C.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reaction is conducted under solventless conditions.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reaction is conducted in a hydrophobic solvent.
 21. A method of forming an organosilicon ester, comprising contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant, wherein: said organosilicon reactant comprises a organosilicon having the formula

wherein: each R is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃, or R′; at least one of R═R′; x is 0 or greater than 0; y is equal to or greater than 3; and R′ is:

wherein: A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent, wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-, or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations thereof; R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or alcohol; and m is 0 or greater than 0; said organic reactant comprises an organic molecule having at least one carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional group, amide functional group, or alcohol functional group, and combinations thereof; said at least one functional group of said organic reactant comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or amide when R″ is alcohol; said at least one functional group of said organic reactant comprises alcohol when R″ is carboxylic acid, ester, or amide; and said enzyme catalyzes the formation of an ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of said organosilicon reactant or said organic reactant and alcohol functional groups of said organosilicon reactant or said organic reactant to form said organosilicon ester.
 22. A method of forming an organosilicon amide, comprising contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant, wherein: said organosilicon reactant comprises a organosilicon having the formula

wherein: each R is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃, or R′; at least one of R═R′; x is 0 or greater than 0; y is equal to or greater than 3; and R′ is:

wherein: A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent, wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-, or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations thereof; R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amine, or amide; and m is 0 or greater than 0; said organic reactant comprises an organic molecule having at least one carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional group, or amine functional group, or amide functional group, and combinations thereof; said at least one functional group of said organic reactant comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or amide when R″ is amine; said at least one functional group of said organic reactant comprises amine when R″ is carboxylic acid, ester, or amide; and said enzyme catalyzes the formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of said organosilicon reactant or said organic reactant and amine functional groups of said organosilicon reactant or said organic reactant to form said organosilicon amide.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein x is between 0 and about
 250. 24. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein A is a C₃ to C₂₀ hydrocarbon.
 25. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein y is between about 3 to about
 6. 26. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein m is between 0 and about
 250. 27. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said hydrolase enzyme comprises an esterase, lipase, protease and combinations thereof.
 28. The method as claimed in claim 27 wherein said hydrolase enzyme comprises a lipase.
 29. The method as claimed in claim 28 wherein said lipase comprises Candida antarctica lipase B.
 30. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said organic reactant comprises a solid, and wherein said organosilicon reactant comprises a liquid.
 31. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said organosilicon reactant comprises a solid, and wherein said organic reactant comprises a liquid.
 32. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said organosilicon reactant comprises a liquid, and wherein said organic reactant comprises a liquid.
 33. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said organosilicon reactant is selected such that more than one R═R′.
 34. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said organic reactant is selected such that said reactant has a plurality of said functional groups.
 35. The method as claimed in claim 34 wherein said plurality of functional groups comprise the same functional group.
 36. The method as claimed in claim 34 wherein said plurality of functional groups comprise different functional groups.
 37. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said organosilicon reactant is selected such that more than one R═R′, and wherein said organic reactant is selected such that said reactant has a plurality of said functional groups.
 38. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said reaction is conducted at a temperature of between about 20° C. to about 100° C.
 39. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said reaction is conducted at a temperature of between about 40° C. and about 70° C.
 40. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said reaction is conducted under solventless conditions.
 41. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said reaction is conducted in a hydrophobic solvent.
 42. A method of forming an organosilicon amide, comprising contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and an organic reactant, wherein: said organosilicon reactant comprises a organosilicon having the formula

wherein: each R is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR₂)_(x)—OSiR₃, or R′; at least one of R═R′; x is 0 or greater than 0; y is equal to or greater than 3; and R′ is:

wherein: A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent, wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-, or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations thereof; R″ is independently carboxylic acid, ester, amine, or amide; and m is 0 or greater than 0; said organic reactant comprises an organic molecule having at least one carboxylic acid functional group, ester functional group, or amine functional group, or amide functional group, and combinations thereof; said at least one functional group of said organic reactant comprises carboxylic acid, ester, or amide when R″ is amine; said at least one functional group of said organic reactant comprises amine when R″ is carboxylic acid, ester, or amide; and said enzyme catalyzes the formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of said organosilicon reactant or said organic reactant and amine functional groups of said organosilicon reactant or said organic reactant to form said organosilicon amide.
 43. An organosilicon amide comprising a structurally defined compound having the formula:

wherein: each R¹ is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, unsaturated alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, hydrogen, —(OSiR¹ ₂)_(x)—OSiR¹ ₃, or R′″; at least one of R¹═R′″; x is 0 or greater than 0; y is equal to or greater than 3; and R′″ is:

or wherein: A is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon substituent, wherein said hydrocarbon may be substituted such that said hydrocarbon comprises a halogen-, ether-, alkoxy-, phenyl-, or unsaturated-functional hydrocarbon and combinations thereof; R² is an organic compound; and m is 0 or greater than
 0. 44. The organosilicon amide as claimed in claim 43 wherein x is between 0 and about
 250. 45. The organosilicon amide as claimed in claim 43 wherein A is a C₃ to C₂₀ hydrocarbon.
 46. The organosilicon amide as claimed in claim 43 wherein y is between about 3 to about
 6. 47. The organosilicon amide as claimed in claim 43 wherein m is between 0 and about
 250. 48. The organosilicon amide as claimed in claim 43 wherein said compound is characterized by a defined molecular weight. 